About
Dr. Josée Brossard is a dedicated Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers and blood disorders in infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at CHUS - Hôpital Fleurimont in Sherbrooke, QC, she is part of a dedicated healthcare team committed to providing comprehensive pediatric cancer care and blood disorder treatment. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of patient care. Dr. Brossard's focus is on addressing the unique medical needs of pediatric patients, from infancy through adolescence, with access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic facilities as part of her comprehensive approach.
She graduated with a Medical Degree in 1988 and has been practicing as a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist for over 36 years. Her extensive post-graduate medical training and certification in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (Childhood Cancers and Blood Disorders) underpin her expertise in the field. With a deep commitment to ongoing education, she stays current with the latest advancements in pediatric cancer research and blood disorder management to provide optimal care for her young patients.
Dr. Brossard's clinical philosophy emphasizes multidisciplinary care, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate support for patients and their families. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that involves patients, families, and a team of specialists to develop personalized treatment plans. Fluent in French, she communicates effectively with her diverse patient population in Sherbrooke, ensuring that families are well-informed and comfortable throughout their care journey.
Dr. Josée Brossard has expertise in managing a wide range of conditions, including:
Benign Hematologic (Non-Cancerous Blood) Disorders Managed
- Hemolytic Anemia (e.g., Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia - AIHA): A disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them.
- Thrombophilia & Acquired Clotting Disorders (e.g., DVT/PE management, Antiphospholipid Syndrome): Conditions that increase the tendency to form blood clots, requiring anticoagulation therapy and management.
- Von Willebrand Disease & Other Inherited Bleeding Disorders: Genetic conditions that impair the blood's ability to clot effectively, causing prolonged or excessive bleeding.
Common Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Conditions
- Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): An autoimmune condition causing low platelet counts in children, often following a viral infection.
- Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): The most common childhood cancer, a rapidly progressing disease of the white blood cells originating in the bone marrow.
- Osteosarcoma & Ewing Sarcoma (Pediatric Bone Cancers): The most common types of malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents.
Hematologic Malignancies (Blood Cancers) Treated
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A group of diverse bone marrow disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy, mature blood cells.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow affecting myeloid cells.
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: A cancer of the lymphatic system, part of the immune system, characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells.
This list provides examples of common conditions treated and is not exhaustive. Cancer and blood disorders are complex, and treatment is highly individualized. For personalized advice, please discuss your specific situation with Dr. Josée Brossard or your referring physician.
- Peripheral Blood Smear Review & Advanced Cytomorphology: Expert microscopic examination of blood cells to identify abnormalities and aid in diagnosis.
- Performance Status Assessment & Treatment Eligibility Evaluation: Evaluating a patient's overall fitness and ability to tolerate specific anti-cancer treatments.
- Therapeutic Apheresis Consultation (e.g., for TTP, plasma exchange indications): Consultation and coordination for procedures that separate components of blood for therapeutic purposes.
- Pediatric Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy: Performing diagnostic bone marrow procedures tailored for children, often with sedation or anesthesia.
- Diagnosis & Multimodal Management of Leukemias (AML, ALL, CLL, CML, Hairy Cell): Comprehensive care for various types of leukemia, including diagnostic workup (bone marrow interpretation, cytogenetics, molecular testing), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and coordination for stem cell transplant where indicated.
- Comprehensive Diagnosis & Management of Anemias: Investigating and treating various types of anemia, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12/folate deficiency, hemolytic anemias (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia.
- Diagnosis & Multimodal Management of Childhood Cancers: Specialized, family-centered care for leukemias, lymphomas, brain tumors, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, sarcomas, and other cancers affecting infants, children, and adolescents.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (Childhood Cancers and Blood Disorders). Treatment plans are highly individualized. Dr. Brossard provides a wide array of diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive care options tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. Please discuss with Dr. Brossard or your healthcare team for details relevant to your care.
All medical services and treatments are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant cancer care guidelines. A referral is required.
Dr. Brossard practices at the CHUS - Hôpital Fleurimont, situated in the Fleurimont West (Hospital Area) neighborhood of Sherbrooke. The facility is conveniently accessible via public transit, with nearby stops served by the Société de transport de Sherbrooke (STS). It is located close to the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS) - Fleurimont, ensuring seamless integration with hospital services. The hospital offers wheelchair accessibility and ample parking for visitors. Families can easily reach the hospital using public transportation or personal vehicles, and the environment is designed to accommodate patients with mobility challenges.
- Are consultations and treatments with Dr. Brossard, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic tests (like biopsies, imaging reviews), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, radiation therapy planning and delivery, and management of blood disorders by a licensed Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist such as Dr. Brossard are generally covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC when a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is in place. Specific drug coverage for newer therapies can vary by provincial formularies and may require special authorization. It's always recommended to discuss coverage specifics with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), Dr. Brossard's office, the hospital's patient financial services, or the cancer care navigation services at the treatment facility.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Brossard, an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is almost always required to see an Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist like Dr. Brossard for assessment or treatment of cancer or significant hematological conditions. This ensures that your primary care provider is involved in your care continuum and that you are directed to the most appropriate specialist for your specific situation. Cancer care programs often have centralized intake systems that manage referrals to ensure timely access.
- What are common side effects of chemotherapy, and how does Dr. Brossard help manage them?
- Chemotherapy can cause various side effects, which differ depending on the specific drugs used, the dose, and individual patient factors. Common ones include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite, diarrhea or constipation, and increased risk of infection due to low blood counts. Dr. Brossard and the oncology nursing team will discuss potential side effects of your specific treatment plan in detail and will actively work to prevent and manage them with medications (e.g., anti-nausea drugs, growth factors to boost blood counts), supportive care advice (nutrition, hydration, rest), and regular monitoring. Open communication about any side effects you experience is very important for effective management.
- What happens after cancer treatment is completed with Dr. Brossard?
- After active cancer treatment finishes, Dr. Brossard will develop a survivorship care plan with you. This plan typically includes a schedule for follow-up appointments and tests to monitor for any signs of recurrence, management of any long-term side effects from treatment, recommendations for healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise), and coordination with your family doctor for ongoing general health care. The goal is to support your long-term health and well-being.
- How does cancer or blood disorder treatment differ for children compared to adults?
- As a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist, Dr. Brossard specializes in these differences. Children's bodies react differently to treatments, and the types of cancers and blood disorders are often distinct from adult conditions. Treatment protocols are specifically designed for pediatric patients, considering their growth and development. Care is family-centered, involving parents and caregivers closely in decision-making and support.
- How is cancer care typically coordinated when seeing Dr. Brossard?
- Cancer care and complex hematology care often involve a multidisciplinary team (MDT) of specialists working together. This team may include medical oncologists like Dr. Brossard, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialized oncology nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, genetic counselors, and palliative care specialists. Regular team meetings (often called tumor boards or MDT meetings) usually occur to discuss individual patient cases and develop comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans. Dr. Brossard works collaboratively within this team to ensure you receive holistic and well-managed care.
CHUS - Hôpital Fleurimont
6213-3001 12e Avenue N
Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4
Phone: (819) 346-1110 | Fax: (819) 564-5398
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Brossard is a licensed Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician or other specialist is required for most consultations and treatments under the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=88189